Southeast Asia

The best way to describe the harvest is that it was “the harvest that wouldn’t end”. Would it never end? That was the recurring question—the topic that came up in the Big House, the grocery store, the pub and any social gathering. “How long are you going to be here?” was the question our new … Continue reading »

It may be obvious from the vast amount of time between postings, but my best laid plans to post regularly have gone by the wayside. This is both good and bad. The good news is that once we got on a roll I simply didn’t have time to compose a readable note, though Twitter was … Continue reading »

Hong Kong is such a small island but boasts an endless number and variety of world class restaurants, and every kind of eatery you can imagine, from bakeries to dim sum to international cuisine. There’s also a lot to do, and not all of it involves shopping, though there are plenty of opportunities for that … Continue reading »

We stayed in 2 hotels in Hong Kong as it was a bit challenging to find rooms due to the humongous jewelry show that was going on. Both the Hotel de Edge and Courtyard by Marriott were located in the Western District adjacent to the Central District, and were both sleek and modern. Rooms … Continue reading »

Watching people drag their wheelies through a weed-infested field after a three day tour of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam was comical, while I just shouldered my day pack and skipped over to the bus from the boat. In Amsterdam a narrow, twisting staircase to our room would have presented a challenge had we … Continue reading »

I love the preparations for a big trip: considering the itinerary, pouring over guidebooks, talking with others to gain insider tips and organizing my packing. Unfortunately the responsibilities of adult life don’t go away just because we’re stepping away for a period of time. There are several important facets of life that take quite a … Continue reading »

Sometimes it’s a funny coincidence when a new product, service or advice from friends meets a need like a hand in a glove. Singapore-based GuideGecko, a new travel guide website, just launched a series of Backpacker Cheatsheets that are turning out to be a very useful starting point for our upcoming trip to SE Asia. … Continue reading »

I’m counting down the days–20 to be exact–until I’m finished with work. After giving notice several weeks ago I’ve been scrambling to get my projects tidied up so I can pass the baton to others and follow one of my dreams, to take off and travel, not just for a vacation, but for an extended … Continue reading »

“Hong Kong: An Extended Layover” published in International Travel News, October 2009, Vol 34, No 8, pp 36-42 (http://www.intltravelnews.com/) Many travelers to Asia find themselves with a layover in Hong Kong, a thriving metropolis of 7 million people where East collides with West. Reclaimed by China in 1997 but still a melting pot of … Continue reading »

Published in International Travel News, April 2009, http://www.intltravelnews.com/ “This is a river that could keep us busy for years,” uttered my husband, Steve, who has a fascination with rivers. Our first trip to Vietnam this summer began our exploration of the Mekong River that will span many trips to come as we unlock the secrets … Continue reading »